My first B&W Conversion... Help a brotha out...

splproductions · May 29, 2013

This is the first time I've actually sat down and tried to do a quality B&W conversion. I ended up having to crop this shot so much that it's around 3.7MP now... so things aren't as sharp as they would have been if I captured it right to begin with.

If you all could critique me on this that would be appreciated!

B&W 1 by splproductions, on Flickr

jowensphoto · May 30, 2013

Are you going for true B&W, or sepia? This is a little warm, easily changed by sliding the WB temp. slider to the left a tiny bit.

If you like the warm tone, there's nothing wrong with it either

Did you do any dodging/burning or maybe eye enhancement? His face seems a little grey (compare his skin to his sclera).

Designer · May 30, 2013

You need one more crop; on the left side, IMO.

Photographiend · May 30, 2013

Cute. Very high on the contrast. Some people like it that way in B&W but it does seem to loose some of the detail in the shot with this image.

frommrstomommy · May 30, 2013

Bw is not my strong suit but one thing I notice here is his one hand looks blown and sort of bleeds into the background.

manaheim · May 30, 2013

I would back it down just slightly (brightness), but otherwise looks fine.

The_Traveler · May 30, 2013

Post the color version.
The BW version isn't very

because the skin is so light, the clothes and shoes stand out and his eyes look likes holes in a snow bank.

KmH · May 30, 2013

I think that is a very good candid portrait shot, planned or not.

I would suggest a crop 1/2 between what you posted and what Designer posted.

I also agree with manaheim and the others that reducing the exposure a tad is called for.

I would also darken the walkway too.